MISSISSAUGA — TICO has relaunched its public agency search tool, a real-time directory of travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators that are registered with TICO.
Available at tico.ca/search, the enhanced tool now consolidates information regarding suspensions, revocations, charges and convictions, which previously was spread across various areas of TICO’s website. In addition, it includes details about companies that are no longer registered with TICO, ensuring consumers have full visibility when researching travel companies.
The updated tool follows the release of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario’s value-for-money audit of TICO, in which it was recommended that TICO provide detailed compliance and enforcement information about all registered companies on its public directly.
“We believe these improvements to the search tool will enhance consumer confidence when selecting a travel company,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “By consolidating key information into one tool, we are making it easier than ever for consumers to access the details they need to make information and confident choices.”
Ontarians are encouraged to visit TICO’s search tool to verify that they are booking with a registered travel agency, booking website or tour operator. Go to tico.ca/search.
TICO BOARD APPROVES 12 CLAIMS
In other TICO news, its Board of Directors approved 12 claims on Feb. 25 against the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund totalling $24,000, to assist 26 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid.
The approved claims are:
- Trip Support Inc.
- 12 claims to assist 26 consumers, totalling $24,000
- The approved claims are related to the closure of Trip Support Inc. in November 2024
- Consumers who are impacted by this closure can submit Compensation Fund claims to TICO until May 5, 2025
- For more information visit TICO’s closure advisory
At the Feb. 25, 2025 meeting, TICO’s Board of Directors also denied the following claims:
- Uniglobe Voyage Lexus
- Two claims were denied as they did not contain sufficient documentation to substantiate the claims
- One claim was denied as the travel services were available to have been received prior to the failure of the agency
